Dos and Don’ts for Caregivers on Making Easter Parties More Enjoyable for Everyone (That Means You Too!)

Caregivers in Peoria AZ: Making Easter Dinner a Success with Senior Loved Ones

Easter is just around the corner, which means it is time to start planning for some family time! As a caregiver to an aging parent or loved one, though, the holidays might bring you more stress than you would like to admit.

Not only do you have to attend to the day-to-day needs of your aging loved one, you also have to plan a dinner, color the eggs for an Easter egg hunt, and buy goodies to put in Easter baskets for your grandkids! That is a lot to handle, so here are some tips to help lighten the load, and to help ensure that you enjoy Easter just as much as everyone else. You deserve it!

Do: Delegate – This is the number one rule in caregiving: delegate, delegate, delegate! Don’t try to take on every single responsibility on your own. This isn’t healthy for you, and it isn’t fair for the people you care about. Not only will you be stressed and crabby on Easter, you’ll also be robbing your spouse or children the change of helping you. It may seem like you are alone at times, but there is no shame in asking for help, and in most cases, the people you love want to make things easier on you! Try making a list of all of the things you have to get done, and then divvy it up so that everyone who can help has something to do. This will take a huge part of the burden off of you, and free you up to have a better time.

Don’t: Expect Perfection – Nothing is perfect, no matter how hard we might wish it could be. When planning a family get-together or other Easter festivities, know that something is bound to go wrong. But also know that, whatever it is, it won’t be the end of the world. Easter parties don’t last forever, and even if you break a few eggs or spill food coloring on the carpet or your loved one says something embarrassing, it will all be forgotten in a few days anyway. Enjoy the moment, and don’t spend it worrying about what could go wrong.

Do: Pay Attention to Safety – During an Easter party, your house is going to be a lot more crowded than usual. This can be dangerous for a senior with mobility problems. Make sure to check in advance that he or she has plenty of places to sit down (with or away from the crowd), and that all carpets and rugs (even decorative ones you are using for just this occasion) are taped down so that no one trips on them. Also, don’t forget to make sure that your loved one takes all of their medication for the day – this is something that can easily get lost in the shuffle!

Don’t: Forget to Have Fun! – Easter is all about spending time with family. No matter what else you may have to attend to during the festivities, always make sure to spend some time just chatting with your relatives, watching a movie together, or watching your children or grandchildren find the hidden Easter eggs. You have the whole rest of the year to worry: Easter is a time to relax and be grateful for what you have!

If you keep these tips in mind, your Easter party is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to take some photos to share at next year’s party!

If you or an aging parent are considering in-home caregivers in Peoria, AZ, please call the caring staff at Assisting Hands Home Care. Serving North Phoenix, Glendale And Surrounding Areas. Call Us 602-362-6610.